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Drug Policy Criteria Change

Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield·Pain Management, Palliative Care, Family Medicine +3 more·Pharmacy
Effective date
Jul 1, 2026
We identified it
Jun 25, 2026
Days to comply
5 days

Summary

This policy implements new prior authorization criteria requirements for multiple opioid and combination pain medications, effective 07/01/2026, with additional changes to Xolair (formulary update) and Vonjo (new criteria) effective 09/01/2026. Billing teams must identify all affected drug claims and ensure prior authorization is obtained before dispensing to avoid claim denials.

Action Required

Before Jul 1, 2026
By June 15, 2026: Billing and pharmacy teams must update all systems, pharmacy benefit manager interfaces, and prior authorization workflows to require criteria verification for all listed opioid medications (including but not limited to: Xolair, Vonjo, Avinza, Belbuca, Buprenorphine, Butrans, Conzip, Dolophine, Exalgo, Fentanyl, Hydrocodone, Hydromorphone, Hysingla, Kadian, MS Contin, Methadone, Morphine, Nucynta, Opana, OxyContin, Oxycodone, Oxymorphone, Tramadol, Ultram, Xtampza, MorphaBond, Embeda, Codeine, Demerol, Dilaudid, Levorphanol, Meperidine, Pentazocine-Naloxone, Qdolo, Roxicodone, Roxybond, and all combination formulations listed). Effective 07/01/2026, all opioid prescriptions on the affected drug list require documented medical necessity criteria before claim submission. Notify all providers in pain management, palliative care, and primary care specialties of the new requirement. Update encounter templates and prescription verification processes. For Xolair, incorporate new dosing information and H1 antihistamine up-dosing criteria effective 09/01/2026. Claims submitted without proper prior authorization documentation will be denied.